Broadband switching is easier from today

From today, broadband switching is easier. It is now mandatory for an ISP to provide a customer with a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) and without charge.

The MAC is a special code given to the customer who then supplies this to the new provider to make the switch seamlessly and with minimal disruption. 

Previously, providing a MAC was only voluntary through an Ofcom voluntary scheme.  This allowed some ISPs not to provide one if they didn’t want to, or even charge for it.  There were also cases where those signed up to the voluntary scheme were not always providing one.  Without a MAC, the customer has to cease a connection altogether, making broadband inactive on the line, then take out a new broadband connection and pay for activation.

The new rules that take effect today should ease any consumer worries about getting a MAC when switching.

Tag / Marker issues

Some customers will be all too familiar with having a tag/marker on their line, which can also hinder the switching process.  Normally these are found when moving house and there is a tag left on the line, but on occasions, ISPs were also failiing to remove tags when customers were switching.

This tag indicates that there is a pre-existing broadband connection on the line and is normally released by the losing provider when switching, but in some cases it is still present, causing issues when the new ISP tries to use the active broadband connection.

However, there is now a special BT phone number for tag removals (0800 169 0934), so it shouldn’t really stop consumers trying to switch.

Chief editor of The Broadband Resource UK, Manoj Solanki also said: “These previous issues put many people off searching for a new deal because of the potential charges for a MAC or the fact that they did not sign up to the voluntary scheme.  We would urge existing broadband consumers who want to switch from their current provider to take note of the new rules and seek out a better offer for their requirements and expect the switch to happen with minimal fuss.  Any consumers still having difficulties obtaining a MAC from their ISP should contact Ofcom.”

Related links

• Broadband switching to be made easier
• Ofcom